BY HADLEY THOMPSON, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Hickey Dining Hall has a new option to their menu. Aramark, the dining service for St. Bonaventure University, has provided an opportunity for all in the community to make climate-friendly choices.
These new foods and recipes have been certified by the World Resources Institute. This institute is a global non-profit organization that works to improve people’s lives and ensure that nature can thrive by providing meal options that are more eco-friendly.
Last October, the institution announced that Cool Food Meal badges would be appearing on Aramark menus starting in the spring of 2022. Bonaventure was picked for this project along with nine other universities.
Nicole Clark, Aramark general manager of the Hickey, said, “Aramark is currently piloting the Cool Foods program at ten colleges and universities across the United States including the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the University of Mississippi, Florida State University, Arizona State University and the University of California to name a few.”
Clark expressed pride in being able to lead the new initiative.
“I was very excited and honored to be a part of the small group of colleges and universities that the Aramark pilot team chose to introduce the program,” said Clark.
Being certified by the World Resources Institute means that the meals have a lower impact on the environment and climate when gathering ingredients and cooking. The institute measured dozens of Aramark’s meals from the original ingredients, to when it is on your plate. They deciphered which options meet the low-carbon emission standards and meet the nutrition requirements.
“The culinary team and I reviewed over 300 Cool Foods recipes and determined which would best fit for the Bonaventure community,” said Clark.
Clark alluded to the way that this program fits in well with ongoing environmental sustainability.
“By students choosing eco-friendly meals they are showing their commitment to help reduce their carbon footprint. They are focused on positively impacting people and this planet,” said Clark.
The ‘Cool Food Meal’ badge can be found on the Hickey menu next to the food list.
thompshp20@bonaventure.edu
